Multifidus

About the multifidus of the dog

Multifidus is a muscle of the hips and pelvis (pelvis), on the left side. Its name in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria is Musculi multifidi. You can turn it above, see it in place in the hips and pelvis of the dog, and open it inside the whole animal in Vetomica.

Where it runs from and to

A muscle is told apart from its neighbours by what it takes hold of at each end, which is also what decides what it does when it shortens.

Origin

Mamillary and transverse processes of the vertebrae, in a series of short oblique bundles.

Insertion

Spinous process of a vertebra two to four segments cranial to the origin.

Action

Extends the spine and rotates it; a stabiliser rather than a mover.

Nerve

Dorsal branches of the spinal nerves.

Written for Vetomica in its own words from the standard reference anatomy of the dog; the books it was checked against are listed below.

What it works on

Bones it takes hold of

• Vertebral column

Muscles and ligaments it works with

• Spinalis et semispinalis thoracis et cervicis
• Longissimus
• Rotator muscles
• Interspinales
• Sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis
• Supraspinous ligament
• Joints of articular processes

Terminology

English

Multifidus

Latin (NAV)

Musculi multifidi

Status

A valid term in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria

References

Where to read this structure in full, and where the named parts above were read.

• NAV 2017Myologia
• Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 5th ed.The Muscular System: muscles of the trunk (epaxial muscles)
• Dyce, Sack & WensingThe neck, back and vertebral column of the dog and cat

Questions about the multifidus

What is the Latin name of the multifidus?

In the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, the multifidus is called Musculi multifidi.

Where is the multifidus of the dog?

Multifidus is a muscle of the hips and pelvis (pelvis), on the left side.

Which bones does the multifidus attach to?

Multifidus takes hold of Vertebral column.

Where does the multifidus originate and insert?

Origin: Mamillary and transverse processes of the vertebrae, in a series of short oblique bundles. Insertion: Spinous process of a vertebra two to four segments cranial to the origin.

What nerve supplies the multifidus?

Dorsal branches of the spinal nerves.

What does the multifidus do?

Extends the spine and rotates it; a stabiliser rather than a mover.